Days are getting darker, both because its December and because its 2017.

If you are a visual artist, create something in your favorite medium.

Ken Longgoes for paper models.

SeastarSarahgets crafty:

Im a knitter, so Ill work on a project while bingeing something on Netflix/Amazon/Hulu.

1 Sing, either sing along to your favourite music or even better sing with friends/family.

2 play an instrument if you have one.

It doesnt matter how good or bad you are just play it.

3 just play some mp3s, cds, vinyl, cassettes… or even stream with youtube/spotify.

It can be relaxing and enjoyable to take a few hours to stroll through a museum at your leisure.

The paragon of free culture is the public library, which many commenters suggested.

Laileagrees:

Setting aside real time to just READ.

An investment of time, rather than money.

I used to spend entire days reading as a kid, getting lost in the story.

Life seems to get in the way now.

Setting aside a whole morning/afternoon/evening (or two of those!)

First person who says books cost money gets a knock upside the head from this librarian.

Taco Bebehas this extra wisdom: Go to the library and pick up some impulse loans.

Really itches that shopping/spend money spot for me.

Turn the radio to the classical station (or whatever relaxes).

Go out for as long as Im able to recollect my thoughts and let out my frustrations.

CiceroCicerareCiceraviCiceratumsays, I particularly like a nice slow run.

It doesnt have to be strenuous, though.Taco Bebegoes for A good stretching session.

Ive been foam-rolling after I work out lately, especially my neck and upper-back.

Very relaxing and feels so good!

Mollysays, I go to the YMCA close to my home to sit in the sauna and stretch.

Sometimes all it takes is disconnecting.

Usually time away from my work, my phone, the constant poop-stream of news.

Spending time outside has the double benefit of getting you out of your stresshole and into nature.

Niftiumgoes outside whether its pleasurable or not:

Take a walk outside!

If its raining or snowing, so much the better.

Nothing like fighting the elements to help put things in perspective.

There is always going to be something that needs to be done.

But it doesnt mean it has to always be done NOW.

Wallflowersays, I also sometimes just have to force myself to have a lazy day.

Like yes the house could be cleaned but Im going to lay on the couch and watch Netflix.

IMO, the times I feel happiest are having social situations that dont require any work of me.

You dont have to clean your house or spend money on a meal.

Even texting a friend to say hi can help.

OTVsays:

I disconnect from everything and brush my dog.

So I like to listen to music, sit on the floor, and get some bonding-brush time.

He loves it, I love that he loves it, and its so calming and soothing.

We both feel better afterwards.

Absotivelydoes something similar, making a meal a special event:

Make a three-course dinner for yourself.

Use your nicest dishes, tablecloth/placemat, etc.

If you feel really fancy, add a candle.

Maybe venture to ignore your phone while you eat.

The middle course can be whatever else you were going to eat anyways.

What do I actually want to do right now?